The Leonid Meteor Shower: Evidence for a Young Universe!

Astronomers and sky watchers all over the world are preparing for one of the most spectacular Leonid sky shows since 1966. Every year between November 16-18, the Earth passes through a stream of dust and debris that is left behind by Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. It is this dust and debris trail which produces the display known as the “Leonid Meteor Shower.” Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle orbits the Sun once every 33 1/4 years, usually producing a more dazzling display in that year. The last great meteor storm took place in 1966.

So what has the Leonid Meteor Shower to do with evidence for a young universe?

Each time Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle passes close to the Sun, it becomes a little smaller as its surface melts and sheds more dust, debris, and liquid. With an orbit of 33 1/4 years, this process of losing material could not have occurred for more than a few thousand years. This relatively short life-span poses a challenge to evolutionists and old-Earth creationists. Evolutionary astronomers have spent much time developing scenarios to explain the existence of comets in a 4.6 Ga Solar System. However, many questions and problems still remain.

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Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively. We focus on providing answers to questions about the Bible—particularly the book of Genesis—regarding key issues such as creation, evolution, science, and the age of the earth.